Why being yourself will make you stand out in an interview
The day has finally come – your job interview. You walk in and realize you’re one of many eagerly waiting. It’s crucial for you to stand out from the rest. But how? When trying to stand out in a job interview, it’s tempting to use generic clichés or showcase your abilities through boastful remarks. But we’re here to tell you, interviewers have heard it all, and using these methods to get hired is not putting your best foot forward. So, here are a few tips that can help you stand out during your next interview.
Don’t be a Robot
Preparation is a key component to feel ready for your interview. You can create a general script to articulate specific points. This strategy will help you avoid rambling and is a terrific way to feel prepared. Although, being too prepared can sometimes do you more harm than good. An interview should mimic an insightful yet enjoyable conversation. When your responses sound rehearsed, your interviewer will notice. Avoid reciting lines you have memorized because you not only appear robotic but fail to show your genuine self. And even though it can be a challenge, be yourself! Trust us, your interviewer will appreciate it.
Build a Relationship
An interview is a time to prove you’re the best candidate for the job, but building a genuine relationship with your interviewer is equally, if not more, important. To begin with, take the time to brush up on memorable stories or interesting hobbies you believe are a good representation of who you are as a person. Whether it’s talking about your recent trip to Peru or your love for Italian cuisine, embracing your authenticity will foster a rapport with your interviewer. A great way to incorporate this during your interview is when you’re asked a very common question that usually goes along the lines of tell me more about yourself or what is not on this resume that I should know about you? Steering the conversation to convey aspects about yourself that are not work-related. This allows your interviewer to get to know you on a personal level.
Avoid Common Buzzwords
It’s common for people to use popular buzzwords or phrases such as hard-working, proactive, or extremely organized to define themselves during an interview. While you may think it’s a powerful way to emphasize your qualities and present yourself as the ideal candidate, you’re wrong! Your interviewer probably conducts numerous interviews, and will easily notice when you’re giving answers you think they want to hear. So, using generic clichés and cookie-cutter responses will substantially decrease your chances of landing the job. Nonetheless, an enticing way to avoid this problem is to provide your interviewer with specific experiences that speak on your unique skills and abilities. This allows you to draw attention to what you’re capable of and the value you can bring to the company.
By focusing on being yourself, you can transform a standard interview into a memorable one. And remember, no one wants to hire a robot.
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